Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPrevalenceCommon CausesRisk FactorsTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Prevalence
Common Causes
Risk Factors
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Erectile dysfunction(ED), or impotence, is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual activity. While the occasional failure to get an erection is not uncommon, if it happens consistently, or more than 50% of the time, it may be ED.It can be atemporary experienceor develop into a long-term condition that requires treatment.
Learn more about the prevalence of ED and its causes, risk factors, and treatment options.
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On a global scale, ED affects 3% to 76.5% of allassigned male at birth.The wide range is due to the different measures used in studies to evaluate ED.
Causes and Risk Factors of Erectile Dysfunction
Certain risk factors have been found to increase the likelihood of experiencing ED. They can include:
Stress and anxiety, particularly performance-related anxiety, can also cause issues with sexual activity and erectile function.
How to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction
Joshua Seong / Verywell
Associated Conditions
In addition to diabetes, hypertension, and hypogonadism, the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases also lists the following conditions and diseases as associated with ED:
Treatment for ED can take many forms and depends on the root cause of the individual’s ED. Because of ED’s impact on sexual relationships, it’s worth discussing treatment options with sexual partner(s).
Lifestyle
Avoiding or stopping the use of tobacco, alcohol, and otherdrugsmay help with ED.
Increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can also be a way to improve erectile function.
Mental Health CounselingBecause emotional and psychological concerns can play a role in ED, speaking with a mental health professional can be beneficial. They can help identify ways to manage anxiety and work through stress that may be impacting sexual performance.
Mental Health Counseling
Because emotional and psychological concerns can play a role in ED, speaking with a mental health professional can be beneficial. They can help identify ways to manage anxiety and work through stress that may be impacting sexual performance.
Medication
Oral (PDE5 inhibitors), injectable, or suppository medications can be prescribed to help achieve and maintain an erection. For those with low testosterone (hypogonadism), testosterone replacement therapy may be prescribed.
Treatment may also involve adjusting or changing current medications that hinder the ability to get an erection.
Devices and Procedures
The following devices and procedures can be used to treat ED:
A Word From Verywell
Talk to a healthcare provider if you experience issues achieving and maintaining an erection. Even though it may be uncomfortable to talk about, proper sexual functioning is a key part of your overall health and well-being.
Estimates from a number of large studies have found that around 30% of people assigned male at birth under the age of 40 experience erectile dysfunction.Learn MoreCauses of Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men
Estimates from a number of large studies have found that around 30% of people assigned male at birth under the age of 40 experience erectile dysfunction.
Learn MoreCauses of Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men
Avasectomyis a procedure used to cut the pathway of sperm outside of the body (thevas deferens) to reduce pregnancy risk. It does not alter the structures of the penis that allow for an erection.
Research has shown that 5.3% of people experience sexual dysfunction (including the ability to maintain an erection) following hernia surgery. However, there is some variation based on the type of procedure. Laparoscopic or minimally invasive hernia surgeries result in higher rates of sexual dysfunction than open surgeries.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Erectile dysfunction.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction.Kessler A, Sollie S, Challacombe B, Briggs K, Van Hemelrijck M.The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a review.BJU International. 124(4):587-599. doi:10.1111/bju.14813Kalsi J, Muneer A.Erectile dysfunction – an update of current practice and future strategies.J Clinic Urol. 6(4):210-219. doi:10.1177/2051415813491862National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of erectile dysfunction.DeLay KJ, Haney N, Hellstrom WJ.Modifying risk factors in the management of erectile dysfunction: a review.World J Mens Health. 34(2):89-100. doi:10.5534/wjmh.2016.34.2.89Mourikis I, Antoniou M, Matsouka E, et al.Anxiety and depression among Greek men with primary erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 14(1):34. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0074-yNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for erectile dysfunction.Urology Care Foundation.What is erectile dysfunction?Nguyen HM, Gabrielson AT, Hellstrom WJG.Erectile dysfunction in young men—a review of the prevalence and risk factors.Sexual Medicine Reviews. 5(4):508-520. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004International Society for Sexual Medicine.Can a vasectomy cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?Ssentongo AE, Kwon EG, Zhou S, Ssentongo P, Soybel DI.Pain and dysfunction with sexual activity after inguinal hernia repair: systematic review and meta-analysis.J Am Coll Surg. 230(2). doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2019.10.010
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Cleveland Clinic.Erectile dysfunction.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction.Kessler A, Sollie S, Challacombe B, Briggs K, Van Hemelrijck M.The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a review.BJU International. 124(4):587-599. doi:10.1111/bju.14813Kalsi J, Muneer A.Erectile dysfunction – an update of current practice and future strategies.J Clinic Urol. 6(4):210-219. doi:10.1177/2051415813491862National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of erectile dysfunction.DeLay KJ, Haney N, Hellstrom WJ.Modifying risk factors in the management of erectile dysfunction: a review.World J Mens Health. 34(2):89-100. doi:10.5534/wjmh.2016.34.2.89Mourikis I, Antoniou M, Matsouka E, et al.Anxiety and depression among Greek men with primary erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 14(1):34. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0074-yNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for erectile dysfunction.Urology Care Foundation.What is erectile dysfunction?Nguyen HM, Gabrielson AT, Hellstrom WJG.Erectile dysfunction in young men—a review of the prevalence and risk factors.Sexual Medicine Reviews. 5(4):508-520. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004International Society for Sexual Medicine.Can a vasectomy cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?Ssentongo AE, Kwon EG, Zhou S, Ssentongo P, Soybel DI.Pain and dysfunction with sexual activity after inguinal hernia repair: systematic review and meta-analysis.J Am Coll Surg. 230(2). doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2019.10.010
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cleveland Clinic.Erectile dysfunction.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction.Kessler A, Sollie S, Challacombe B, Briggs K, Van Hemelrijck M.The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a review.BJU International. 124(4):587-599. doi:10.1111/bju.14813Kalsi J, Muneer A.Erectile dysfunction – an update of current practice and future strategies.J Clinic Urol. 6(4):210-219. doi:10.1177/2051415813491862National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of erectile dysfunction.DeLay KJ, Haney N, Hellstrom WJ.Modifying risk factors in the management of erectile dysfunction: a review.World J Mens Health. 34(2):89-100. doi:10.5534/wjmh.2016.34.2.89Mourikis I, Antoniou M, Matsouka E, et al.Anxiety and depression among Greek men with primary erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 14(1):34. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0074-yNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for erectile dysfunction.Urology Care Foundation.What is erectile dysfunction?Nguyen HM, Gabrielson AT, Hellstrom WJG.Erectile dysfunction in young men—a review of the prevalence and risk factors.Sexual Medicine Reviews. 5(4):508-520. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004International Society for Sexual Medicine.Can a vasectomy cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?Ssentongo AE, Kwon EG, Zhou S, Ssentongo P, Soybel DI.Pain and dysfunction with sexual activity after inguinal hernia repair: systematic review and meta-analysis.J Am Coll Surg. 230(2). doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2019.10.010
Cleveland Clinic.Erectile dysfunction.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction.
Kessler A, Sollie S, Challacombe B, Briggs K, Van Hemelrijck M.The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction: a review.BJU International. 124(4):587-599. doi:10.1111/bju.14813
Kalsi J, Muneer A.Erectile dysfunction – an update of current practice and future strategies.J Clinic Urol. 6(4):210-219. doi:10.1177/2051415813491862
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of erectile dysfunction.
DeLay KJ, Haney N, Hellstrom WJ.Modifying risk factors in the management of erectile dysfunction: a review.World J Mens Health. 34(2):89-100. doi:10.5534/wjmh.2016.34.2.89
Mourikis I, Antoniou M, Matsouka E, et al.Anxiety and depression among Greek men with primary erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.Ann Gen Psychiatry. 14(1):34. doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0074-y
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Urology Care Foundation.What is erectile dysfunction?
Nguyen HM, Gabrielson AT, Hellstrom WJG.Erectile dysfunction in young men—a review of the prevalence and risk factors.Sexual Medicine Reviews. 5(4):508-520. doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004
International Society for Sexual Medicine.Can a vasectomy cause erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Ssentongo AE, Kwon EG, Zhou S, Ssentongo P, Soybel DI.Pain and dysfunction with sexual activity after inguinal hernia repair: systematic review and meta-analysis.J Am Coll Surg. 230(2). doi:10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2019.10.010
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